INEC boss under fire as alleged ties to viral posts spark outrage

A fresh wave of controversy has surrounded the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, following a fact-check report by journalists alleging a link between him and an X (formerly Twitter) account accused of making partisan political comments during the 2023 general elections.

The report has sparked renewed debate over the neutrality of the electoral umpire, with opposition parties, civil society organisations, and other political stakeholders calling for his resignation. They argue that the allegations raise concerns about impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the report, the controversial X handle, previously known as @joashamupitan, allegedly made comments seen as supportive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 polls.

One of the cited posts reportedly described Peter Obi supporters as “evil in the 24th century,” while another responded “Victory is sure” to a celebratory APC message. In a separate post after the election, the account allegedly reacted to Tinubu’s airport reception with the word, “Asiwaju.”

Account History Raises Questions

Investigations into the account’s digital history reportedly showed that it was created in September 2022 and retained the username @joashamupitan until April 10, 2026, when it was renamed @Sundayvibe00, locked from public view and later labelled a parody account.

The report noted that X user IDs remain permanent even after name changes, creating what it described as a continuous digital trail linking the account’s previous identities.

Shortly after the controversy erupted, another account bearing the same handle reportedly emerged, raising fresh questions over possible impersonation or handle recycling.

INEC Denies Ownership

Reacting to the allegations, INEC, through its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, dismissed claims linking the chairman to the account, describing it as fake.

Prof. Amupitan also denied ever operating an X account or engaging in partisan commentary, insisting that he remains politically neutral in both public and private life.

Opposition, CSOs Demand Resignation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki accused the INEC boss of open partisanship, saying his resignation would help restore confidence in the electoral body.

Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the alleged comments as a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system and warned of intensified protests until he steps down.

Several civil society groups also joined the call, arguing that even the perception of bias could damage public trust in future elections.

Rights activist Umar Ibrahim Umar said the issue goes beyond personal guilt, stressing that it concerns the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Others, including governance advocates and legal practitioners, maintained that the electoral commission requires leadership that is both impartial and publicly trusted.

Verdict: Mostly True

Journalists concluded that while there is credible evidence showing the existence of an account formerly operated under @joashamupitan, claims directly linking the account to the INEC chairman through private verification tools remain unconfirmed.

Based on the available evidence, the claim was rated “mostly true.”

Growing Scrutiny Ahead of 2027

The controversy comes at a sensitive political moment, with mounting tensions between INEC and opposition parties over recent disputes involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Observers say the unfolding debate may further shape public confidence in the commission as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.